Early results of open-heart surgery for acquired heart diseases in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease burden is disproportionately high in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where resources to provide optimum care for cardiothoracic patients are still very limited. Previous reports of open-heart surgery from new centers in SSA have shown a preponderance of valvular heart disease in published series, with wide variations in reported morbidity and mortality. Objectives: We report on a series of patients who underwent open-heart surgery for acquired heart diseases to demonstrate pattern of disease, type of cardiac surgery done, and our results. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who had open-heart surgery for acquired heart diseases between October 2013 and November 2016. Data collected included demographics, presenting symptoms, indication for surgery, preoperative evaluation and preparation, operative procedure, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Statistical analysis was carried out descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 35 patients have undergone open-heart surgery between October 2013 and November 2016. The patients who had surgery for acquired heart disease were 17 (48.6%). These included valvular heart disease in 13 patients while the remaining patients had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for ischemic heart disease. The mean age of patients who had valve replacement and CABG were 39 and 60 years, respectively. Parsonnet risk scoring was used with an average score of 8.5. Three (17.6%) patients were in good risk category while 7 (41.2%) patients each were in fair and poor risk categories. Postoperative complications included paravalvular leaks in two patients. There was no hospital mortality. Conclusion: Early results of valvular and coronary artery bypass surgeries from our center show good outcome comparable to global standards with zero hospital mortality and low morbidity. The result is aided by good case selection, adequate preparation, and teamwork.